In recognition of Asthma Awareness Month, the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease supports the efforts of all of its members and the health community worldwide in pursuit of better treatments and cures for asthma. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributed 4.2 million deaths due to asthma in 2008.
The WHO’s recent report on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) notes respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of the four leading causes of NCD deaths. Though there are several measures that can be taken to alleviate the effects of asthma, many people who struggle with this condition are faced with daily obstacles. A 2009 study done by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) found that more than 35% of respondents said that asthma “tremendously hinders” their daily activities and nearly 70% of respondents said that their quality of life is below average. According to the American Lung Association asthma accounts for approximately 24.5 million missed work days every year and is the #1 cause of missed school days.
As a timely follow up for the WHO’s recent conference on the global impact of chronic disease, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) is campaigning with a message that 'You Can Control Your Asthma.” GINA will launch the next phase of their campaign to reduce asthma hospitalizations 50% worldwide by 2015.
For more information on Asthma Awareness Month, please visit:
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